Melissa J. Delbridge

Delbridge weaves a strong narrative through this memoir, reflecting on growing up in the South during the era of integration. She paints a vivid picture of the challenges she faced and creates a compelling case for tolerance.

I enjoyed reading this book of essays, in part because they took place in Alabama. Many of the places Delbridge mentions are familiar, although I grew up in a different town. The writing is an interesting combination of frankness and wit that I enjoyed as well.

Melissa Delbridge's memoir of growing up in the 1960's in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, started with great promise. Delbridge's wry wit grabbed me from the beginning, and although I was enthralled for most of the story, the conclusion -- which reads like an opinion piece (albeit, well-written) -- is jarring in its departure from the lyrical flow of the rest of the memoir. Worth the read, to be sure, but I wanted to love the whole thing!

Absolutely hilarious! It's nice to read of a family that has more . . . how shall I say . . . quirks . . . than mine. A real book about real people and how they really live.